DO NOT DISTURB

Do Not Disturb finds the trio lineup of Van Der Graaf Generator (Hammill, Banton, and Evans) in a sombre, reflective mood. Whilst "gentler, mellower VdGG" has been the focus of the band's post-reunion studio albums ever since Present, this takes the idea further than ever before, with a jazzy, melancholic approach which suggests sunsets, reflection, and perhaps an end to the band altogether.

Certainly, as of the time of writing we've hit the longest gap between studio albums since the gap from The Quiet Zone/The Pleasure Dome to Present, even if you set Alt aside, and whilst the gang still are active from time to time for gigging purposes, Peter Hammill seems to be more engaged with solo projects and other collaborations than with VdGG these days. If this is their swansong, it's far from embarrassing - it's perhaps the best studio release of the reunion age - but it's no classic, and as with all the reunion albums it lacks the fire of the group's 1970s prime.